According to a recent permit filing, Botanist will be getting revamped with a new owner and concept, located at 1300 NW Lovejoy Street.
“We are three months past our original target opening date, Below By Botanist is eagerly awaiting the final approval for its liquor license to officially lock down an opening date,” the owner, Jon Wessels, told What Now Portland.
“While carrying forward the spirit of the original establishment, Botanist, I plan to infuse it with my own distinct twist. I have a wealth of experience in the industry, including backgrounds in fine dining establishments like Wildwood, as well as contributions to Chinatown’s bar scene overall.”
Below By Botanist is poised to become an intimate gallery and speakeasy space, promising diversity and inclusivity in its approach. It seeks to create an immersive experience, drawing inspiration from themes like poison ivy, the comic book character—intoxicating, alluring, and gender-neutral. The venue will share its culinary offerings with Hapa Barkada, a provider of Hawaiian and Filipino cuisine currently operating as a food cart and working towards establishing a brick-and-mortar presence, according to Jon.
In addition to Jon, Mike and Andrew, who have recently begun to partner on the venture, have also come on board. This collaboration is set to bring a taste of Pearl District culture with a solo club atmosphere, complete with signature cocktails, music, and live DJs.
Below By Botanist will have a full patio located above the bar, complete with an ongoing build-out featuring patio spaces, ambient lighting, canopy shades, and the possibility of a fire pit. The team envisions live music performances on the patio, fostering connections among those who want to create music.
Below By Botanist is said to take inspiration from recently opened bars like Pink Rabbit and Dirty Pretty, aiming to create a similar cultural vibe. The interior design draws from the mid-century modern bones of the venue, featuring botanical elements and intimate speakeasy elements. An edgy urban graffiti theme complements the botanical decor, with plans also including a DJ booth and photo booth.
